THE FUSE

Protecting livestock from disease requires accurate information, early detection and coordinated action across the agricultural sector. Reliable livestock disease surveillance helps authorities understand where diseases occur, how they spread and which conditions may increase the risk of infection. This information is especially important for communal and smallholder farmers, who often operate in environments where research and disease monitoring data remain limited. Without reliable information, it can be difficult to identify emerging disease patterns or determine where disease-control measures should be strengthened. National surveillance programmes therefore play an important role in protecting livestock, supporting farmers and safeguarding the wider food supply.